Shared hole

What's the easiest way to get the second string through a shared hole especially if you use thick low gauge string? Squeezing 2 thick strings through a tiny shared hole is a PITA. I'm using the owl that came with my Klipper but wondering if there is any better way to do this. Thanks!

Do you cut the end of the string at a sharp angle so it travels through more easily? And are you pushing the second string through little by little using needle nose pliers? It helps because that way the string won't bend as much on you. Also a little Chapstick or something helps grease the string through.

To begin with make sure you're using the correct hole. It makes a big difference how it is done depending on the racket you're trying to work with. Not all shared holes have grommets in them. May I ask what racket and hole you're having trouble with?

EDIT: It is usually better to tie a main on a main and a cross on a cross. If you do you can push & pull both strings at the same time. Push on the outside with pliers and pull on the anchor string or the string already in the grommet hole.

What's the easiest way to get the second string through a shared hole especially if you use thick low gauge string? Squeezing 2 thick strings through a tiny shared hole is a PITA. I'm using the owl that came with my Klipper but wondering if there is any better way to do this. Thanks!

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Flatten the tip end 1st with your starting clamp or pliers, then cut to sharp point, use a razor blade as that works nice. Usually that is all needed, and problem ones then
Try and use a scrap piece of a stiff poly string and cut to point use chapstick on it place through, then follow through with your normal string that is cut to a point, and if needed use a small amount of super glue on tip end of string and spray with accelerator to set the glue and that makes tip stiffer to place through. It is less damaging than using an awl. I very rarely use the awl for stringing as that can damage string if not careful.

What's the easiest way to get the second string through a shared hole especially if you use thick low gauge string? Squeezing 2 thick strings through a tiny shared hole is a PITA. I'm using the owl that came with my Klipper but wondering if there is any better way to do this. Thanks!

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I use my bent-nose pliers to push the string through. Leave about 6 to 8 mm of string, make sure you've cut a good point at the end of the string (cut it at a diagonal) and you should be able to get it in there.

Flatten the tip end 1st with your starting clamp or pliers, then cut to sharp point, use a razor blade as that works nice. Usually that is all needed, and problem ones then
Try and use a scrap piece of a stiff poly string and cut to point use chapstick on it place through, then follow through with your normal string that is cut to a point, and if needed use a small amount of super glue on tip end of string and spray with accelerator to set the glue and that makes tip stiffer to place through. It is less damaging than using an awl. I very rarely use the awl for stringing as that can damage string if not careful.

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This tip is by far the cleanest method. Plan ahead and you will be fine. If you ever use an awl, it really should be used only to expand the hole and never, ever use an awl when a string is already inserted. If you did not use jim e's tip and plan ahead, use a "string awl"-- that is, use a stiff string cut to a point, coat it with wax or chapstick (a little goes a long way) and insert it beside the other string in the hole--that will clear a path for the shared string. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice Irvin. I think I will try stringing it one piece next time.

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I would run in the rackets bottom three crosses (with no tension) before tensioning and tying off the short side and tying off. Also tension the two outside mains on the short side befor tensioning the two outside mains on the long side. That way there are no blocked holes in the bottom of the racket and the two at the top (9H) are easy ones.

I would run in the rackets bottom three crosses (with no tension) before tensioning and tying off the short side and tying off. Also tension the two outside mains on the short side befor tensioning the two outside mains on the long side. That way there are no blocked holes in the bottom of the racket and the two at the top (9H) are easy ones.

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Yeah I didn't have any problems at the top of the racket only the bottom. Just to be clear you're recommending not to tension the outer two mains on both the short and long sides before running the bottom three crosses. Then tension and tie off the short side; tension the long side and then start tensioning the crosses.

I'm stringing on a Klippermate so normally I double pull the top two crosses, but return to pull and tie off the top cross (since I'm using a starting clamp) after I get a few crosses tensioned.

Even though all the majority of the feedback has been negative, I just picked up an pathfinder on the bay for $20 with free shipping. Might only use it a few times, but thought it might be nice to have....but the TW plastic one from Gamma seems to break way too much.

Even though all the majority of the feedback has been negative, I just picked up an pathfinder on the bay for $20 with free shipping. Might only use it a few times, but thought it might be nice to have....but the TW plastic one from Gamma seems to break way too much.

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Sucker for gadgets that I am, I have the plastic Gamma and the metal Eagnas models. The Eagnas is actually better IMO because of the ergonomics -- and, surprisingly, it is very well built. I have had no problems with the Gamma, but it is bulkier and not as solid to the touch. I very, very rarely use either.

Sucker for gadgets that I am, I have the plastic Gamma and the metal Eagnas models. The Eagnas is actually better IMO because of the ergonomics -- and, surprisingly, it is very well built. I have had no problems with the Gamma, but it is bulkier and not as solid to the touch. I very, very rarely use either.

I only have the Gamma one and have used it maybe 50 times. Not too often but when I do use it, it is a life saver.

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I am also a gadget sucker.....hence my purchase and infatuation for the portable stringer as well. I can only think of a few times I would have ever used the pathfinder, but for the money it does seem like something that would be a time saver and life saver.

I think the reason this tool gets a bad rep is because no one uses it until all else fails. For instance, you're stringing Kevlar in a Prince racket you just replaced the mains on. The outside main will tie off at 8H on both sides. You tension all you mains and that tie off string just won't go in 8H so you force the pathfinder awl in 8H and it breaks. Had you inserted the awl before tensioning the 7th main it would go in very easy. Then tension the outside main put the string in the awl and pull it through.